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Average Price: $130

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$150

$601+

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Description

Unleash your inner rhythm architect with the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine, a transcendent fusion of tactile hardware and cutting-edge software that redefines your beat-making experience. This hybrid marvel seamlessly integrates a hardware controller with Arturia's renowned Spark 2 software, offering a dynamic environment where creativity knows no bounds. Whether you're crafting intricate sequences, performing live, or diving into detailed sound design, the Arturia Spark puts unparalleled control at your fingertips.

Navigate effortlessly through its vast library of sounds, or tailor your sonic palette with intricate precision using the software’s intuitive interface. The hardware's responsive pads and encoders make it a breeze to shape your music in real-time, while its robust build ensures it’s ready to withstand the rigors of both studio sessions and live performances. For those looking to explore new musical territories, the Spark's expandable library offers genre-specific packs that cater to every taste and style.

Perfect for musicians, producers, and DJs alike, the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine is more than just a tool; it's a gateway to sonic exploration and innovation.

Key Features:

  • Hybrid drum machine combining hardware control with Spark 2 software
  • Intuitive interface for sequencing, performance, and sound design
  • Expandable library with genre-specific sound packs
  • Responsive pads and encoders for real-time music shaping
  • Suitable for studio and live performance environments

Product specs

Brand Arturia
Model Spark Creative Drum Machine
Year 2011 - 2021
Categories Drum Machines
Analog / Digital Hybrid
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Pads 8 Pads

FAQs

What type of connectivity options does the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine offer?

The Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine features MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI devices and computer-based DAWs.

Is the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine is well-suited for live performances, offering intuitive controls, responsive pads, and a hybrid analog/digital sound engine for dynamic sound manipulation on stage.

Can I load my own samples into the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine?

Yes, the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine allows you to load your own samples, providing flexibility to customize and expand your drum sounds beyond the included vintage and acoustic kits.

How many pads does the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine have, and are they velocity-sensitive?

The Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine features 8 velocity-sensitive pads, enabling expressive playing and dynamic control over your drum patterns and performances.

Does the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine integrate well with popular DAWs?

The Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine integrates smoothly with popular DAWs via USB MIDI, providing a versatile and powerful tool for both studio production and live performance setups.

Arturia

Arturia

ARTURIA SPARK Creative Drum Machine

Video thumbnail for ARTURIA SPARK Creative Drum Machine by Arturia

ARTURIA SPARK Creative Drum Machine

Arturia

Arturia

Video thumbnail for Presenting SPARK  Creative Drum Machine by Arturia

Presenting SPARK Creative Drum Machine

Arturia

Arturia

Video thumbnail for Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine by DV247 Music Store UK TV

Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Video thumbnail for Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine some preset patterns 1 hour demo by Loomeer Cz

Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine some preset patterns 1 hour demo

Loomeer Cz

Loomeer Cz

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine.

Build quality

  • The original Spark controller is more robust with additional knobs compared to the slimmer SparkLE model.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Spark 2 software interface is not resizable and may appear tiny on modern screens, complicating usability.

    Source
  • Arturia Spark software can technically be used with any MIDI controller, but its dated resolution may hinder performance on newer computers.

    Source
  • Spark Engine software can use up to 20% of CPU while idle on an i7 2600k, impacting performance alongside other applications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Spark 2 controllers allow for control of nearly every interface aspect, enhancing the drum machine experience.

    Source
  • Users find the Spark's kit routing challenging, as it defaults back to Master and resets internal FX when changing kits, disrupting workflow.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Spark 2 is often compared to NI Battery for its potential as a quick drum programming tool, but lacks the updated features of newer software.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report SparkLE's hardware quality as excellent, particularly praising the durable pads, though they find the Spark software limitations frustrating.

    Source
  • Changing kits in Spark alters the assignment of kick, snare, and other elements, which can disrupt users who rely on consistent mappings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Spark's workflow suits those who enjoy x0x-style step sequencing, providing a tactile experience that some users find integrates well with software.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Arturia Spark

soundonsound.com

Arturia's Spark Creative Drum Machine is a hybrid software/hardware package that impresses with its solid, ergonomic build and quality sound engine. The integration of a hands-on controller with a software drum machine offers a no-nonsense approach to beat-making, appealing to both traditionalists and modern producers. However, early hardware issues and crashes in the software may cause hesitation. Despite some immaturity in its software and a reliance on mouse interaction, the Spark shines with its powerful synthesis and sample playback capabilities. With further refinements, it promises to be a central piece in any percussion setup.

positive

Review: Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine is a tactile marvel that marries classic rhythm boxes with modern tech. Its intuitive controller interface encourages expressive performance, offering diverse emulations and samples. However, the hardware-controller duo could use more integration, as some software features remain elusive and the sampled instruments feel dated. Despite its teething issues, Spark's hybrid model promises future growth and is a steal compared to pricier hardware. A must-try for vintage drum machine enthusiasts, though some design quirks may limit its evolution.

positive

Arturia Spark review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Arturia Spark's hybrid drum machine impresses with its intuitive beat-making capabilities and versatile sound creation options. Musicians will appreciate the ease of programming and instant parameter access, although the horizontal pad layout and small screen might frustrate some users. While the manual could be clearer, Spark's integration into DAWs and its potential as a MIDI controller make it a compelling choice. Despite minor drawbacks, Arturia Spark is a fun and creative tool for electronic musicians, offering a satisfying blend of hardware and software interaction.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
xaqary

Time is not kind.

Time has not been kind to this piece of kit. It comes stocked with decent samples of most of the classic drum machines you'd expect. Rhythm King, 808, 909, etc. The controller is best described as adequate...if you're being generous. The pads are nothing special but they do an okay job w/ velocity. Compared to an MPC or Maschine? Well maybe best just not to.

While it does have it's virtues-not many but it's not all together awful- What really stands out is how fast it became obsolete. Faster than anything else I've ever bought. To be fair things have moved so fast the last handful of years...but being fair doesn't really do much more than offer context when talking about this kinda gear (software in general and software with a hardware interface).

So would I recommend this to anyone? No. Absolutely not. However, I doubt I'll ever be asked.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Vitalic uses Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine

Vitalic

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 1:42 Vitalic using Spark Drum machine for kicks.

See how DJ Quik uses Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine

DJ Quik

Rapper, Music Producer

The Fixxers

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 3:48 mark DJ Quik walks into a LA studio session for Dr. Dre's "Detox" full of legends and pulls this out on them saying "Its every drum machine you ever wanted in your life all rolled into one tone generator, its a TR-808, TR-909, Linn drum, DBX, it loads up quick & Oh God it rocks out!!!" as they all pass around this beautiful machine touching knobs in awe, at the 4:54 mark Snoop Dogg tells his camera man "This the cheat sheet right here out his personal livin room era" as he holds it up.

See how Masafumi Takada uses Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine

Masafumi Takada

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Masafumi Takada is featured in an Instagram post by koudenms, showcasing his use of the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine with the caption "久々SPARK〜!".

See how Rodney Orpheus uses Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine

Rodney Orpheus

Singer, Keyboardist

The Cassandra Complex

...
Verified via SoundBetter

Listed in Soundbetter producer profile

See how Paul Dillon uses Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine

Paul Dillon

Keyboardist, Composer

The Cassandra Complex

...
Verified via The Cassandra Complex

Paul Dillon uses the Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine, as listed on The Cassandra Complex gear page, authored by Rodney.

Album Usage

The Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia Spark Creative Drum Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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